Opinions & Interviews

ASHGABAT, 29 November (BelTA) - Belarus is interested in promoting international cooperation in the field of global energy security, Belarus’ Deputy Energy Minister Vadim Zakrevsky said during the panel discussion of the 28th International Energy Charter Conference running in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on 28-29 November, BelTA has learned.

Vadim Zakrevsky thanked for the invitation to attend the meeting and noted the importance of the topics discussed. “We are talking about such an important issue as investment in sustainable energy development and diversification of supply routes. Diversification, multiple energy flows and participation of a growing number of countries in this process is the most important factor for the global energy security. Therefore, investments in energy and their efficiency require special attention,” Vadim Zakrevsky said.

He also reiterated Belarus' readiness to develop international cooperation in global energy security which will enable to make energy production, transport and distribution more efficient on a economically sound and environmentally safe basis. According to him, the Belarusian side is ready to joint the discussion of the issues related to modernization of the International Energy Charter Treaty.

“Belarus is situated in the center of Europe, between the energy systems of Russia, Ukraine and Poland. To engage its geostrategic potential and to ensure the efficiency of its energy complex, Belarus has been developing cooperation in such areas as the establishment and development of common markets, research, training, energy services,” Vadim Zakrevsky said.

Belarus has been a reliable partner in securing the uninterrupted supply of energy to the European Union. “As a reliable transit country, we are open to new infrastructure projects in the interests of global and regional energy security,” he said.

The deputy minister expressed confidence that multilateral discussions during the conference would promote better understanding of sustainable energy issues and possible ways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals taking into account national interests. “This will help contribute to the partnership in energy efficiency and multilateral international energy dialogue in general,” Vadim Zakrevsky said.